IN Peters Township December 2018/January 2019 | Page 33

INDUSTRY INSIGHT PREPPING FOR WINTER SPONSORED CONTENT WINTER IS COMING. A R E Y O U P R E PA R E D ? THE COLD WEATHER AND SNOW SNEAK UP FAST. IT IS IMPORTANT TO PREPARE BEFORE UNEXPECTED WEATHER STRIKES. WINTER PREPAREDNESS FOR YOUR HOME Prepare your home for the winter months so you are not caught in the cold. Taking action before the cold hits can save you time and money in the long run. Save money by sealing the gaps around doors and windows. This can keep the warm weather in and the frigid temperatures out. Adhesive backed foam, sponge, and rubber tape insulation are great options for around doors and windows to seal gaps. Pipes can also be insulated with special foam sleeves to prevent from freezing. These quick DIY tips are inexpensive and easy to do. PREPARING YOUR CAR In Pittsburgh, we are all used to driving in the snowy weather. It is important to stock your car with the items you might need in an emergency. You never know when you might need them. Here are some items to have easy access to in your car: • Flashlight/ Batteries • Jumper Cables • Hand Warmers • First Aid Kit • Icescraper ACE IS THE PLACE FOR ALL OF YOUR HOLIDAY NEEDS. CHOOSING THE RIGHT ICE MELTER After shoveling or using a snowthrower you may need additional help to clear the snow and ice that is left. There are many different ice melters to choose from. The temperature and type of driveway can affect which salt to choose. The first option is Rock Salt. This is what is used on the main roads around Pittsburgh. Rock Salt can damage concrete and will not work below five degrees Fahrenheit. Rock Salt is the most affordable option. Calcium Chloride is the most popular option. It does not leave any residue and works fast. Calcium Chloride will work down to negative twenty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Magnesium Chloride is another option. This ice melter is safer for the environment and works in negative temperatures. With any ice melter, it is important to clear your sidewalk after use to prevent any damage. HEATING YOUR HOME Most homes need a boost of heat inside to keep warm. We stock firewood all year long. Wood pellets are another option. They offer an easy and eco-friendly heating alternative. Wood pellets are made exclusively for use in pellet burning stoves. Portable heaters come in a variety of options. It is important to pick the correct size heater for your needs. If it is too large it will raise the electricity bill. On the other hand, if it is too small it can be overworked. Safety should be top of mind when using a heater. Newer models have safety features that can shut it off when it is tipped over or overheated. HAVE FUN! When the temperatures drop this does not mean you need to stay inside. Bundle up and grab your sleds. The cold months are the perfect time to have fun in the snow. Here are some ideas to keep you from getting cabin fever. • Build a snowman or snow fort • Go sledding • Make a snow angel Stop by Miller’s Ace Hardware to start preparing for the cold weather. We have everything you need from shovels to hand warmers. Speak with our experts to get the help you to pick out the items you need. The best way to stay safe during winter is to be prepared, use common sense and to be cautious. • • • • Ace Rental Place Heaters Holiday Lights Ice Melt • • • • Power Equipment Sales Propane Filling Repair Shop The Paint Studio MCMURRAY BETHEL PARK Waterdam Commons Ruthfred Shopping Center 724-941-7970 412-835-4119 millersace.com This Industry Insight was written by Greg Gold. Greg is a 27-year veteran of the retail hardware industry. With experience at every level of the business, he and his brother, Chip, have been the proud owners of Miller’s Ace Hardware in McMurray and Bethel Park for over 10 years. With a passion for finding solutions and providing premium products for customers, Greg continues to work actively to grow the business and support the loyal customers, neighbors and friends from the communities their stores serve. PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 31